Quantum Innovation Center: The University of Missouri establishes the state’s first IBM Quantum Innovation Center.
IBM Quantum Network: Mizzou joins over 250 international members of the IBM Quantum Network.
Advanced Research and Education: Center provides access to IBM’s cloud-based quantum computing platform for cutting-edge research and education.
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) has officially become part of the IBM Quantum Network by establishing the state’s first IBM Quantum Innovation Center. This facility offers researchers and institutions access to sophisticated quantum computing resources through IBM’s cloud platform, placing Mizzou among more than 250 international members, including universities, organizations, research laboratories, and startups.
The establishment of the IBM Quantum Innovation Center at Mizzou is led by faculty and leaders from the College of Arts and Science and the College of Engineering. The MU Division of Information Technology (MU IT) collaborates closely to ensure that Mizzou's community can effectively utilize IBM’s quantum systems via the cloud. This partnership is designed to support innovative research and equip students with the skills needed for careers in quantum computing.
"The College of Arts and Science, home of the state’s first IBM Quantum Innovation Center, will lead MU in investing in the power of quantum computing to unlock unprecedented computational abilities to tackle complex challenges, drive innovation and inspire the next generation of researchers,"
— Cooper Drury, Dean of the College of Arts and Science
Quantum computers function differently from traditional computers by utilizing quantum bits, or qubits, which can process and solve intricate problems much faster. While they are not intended to replace classical computers for everyday tasks, quantum computers are becoming essential for addressing issues that traditional systems struggle with.
"Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize fields from materials science to machine learning, health care and life sciences, and Mizzou’s College of Engineering is leading the charge in this space. Our IBM Quantum Innovation Center will be a critical hub for advancing research and preparing our students and faculty to drive innovation in this rapidly evolving field."
— Marisa Chrysochoou, Dean of the College of Engineering
Mizzou’s collaboration with IBM allows organizations to access IBM’s cloud-based quantum computing systems, along with Qiskit (Quantum Information Software Kit), the leading software stack for quantum computing, the IBM Learning Portal, and support from IBM’s quantum team. A group of faculty members has been chosen to begin utilizing the technology immediately, focusing on areas such as quantum programming, semiconductors, condensed matter, and computational biophysics.
Chi-Ren Shyu, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Mizzou, encouraged fellow researchers to utilize the quantum computing resources. "The key takeaway is that access to advanced quantum computing resources brings capabilities not currently found on campus or in the region," Shyu stated. "Quantum computers use quantum mechanics to calculate probabilities, allowing them to explore yet undiscovered computational territory that is inaccessible or very difficult for classical computers. This approach may not always yield an exact answer, but for many applications, a small margin of error is a fair trade for the extraordinary speed advantage. Certain tasks that could take years to solve with classical supercomputers could be completed in just hours using future quantum computers."
Through research initiatives, student education, and workforce development, Mizzou is dedicated to developing a formidable quantum ecosystem.
